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 Stop and search and photographers: Anti terrorism minister issues statement - Page One: 'No intention' to stop ordinary people taking photos

Wednesday 10th March 2010

Chris Cheesman



Photography delegation
Picture: At yesterday's meeting were (left to right) Amateur Photographer magazine news editor Chris Cheesman; Editor Damien Demolder; ACPO's stop and search spokesman Craig Mackey; Home Office minister David Hanson; Austin Mitchell MP; RPS treasurer Walter Benzie; and John Tracy, chief executive of the Bureau of Freelance Photographers.

Counter-terrorism minister David Hanson has issued a statement following yesterday's meeting with Amateur Photographer (AP) magazine and other representatives of the photographic community.

During the meeting, held at the Home Office, the government once again attempted to reassure photographers that they are not being 'targeted' by police officers under anti-terrorism stop and search powers.

Staff from AP were the only photography journalists invited to the meeting, which took place at the Home Office's base in Marsham Street, Westminster.

The meeting was set up by Austin Mitchell MP, a keen photographer and rights campaigner, following growing concerns that photographers are targeted by police officers using their anti-terrorism powers.

David Hanson, Minister for Policing and Crime, said in a statement, issued this morning: 'I recently met with Austin Mitchell [chairman of the Parliamentary All Party Photography Group] and representatives of the photographic press to discuss the issue of counter terrorism powers and offences in relation to photography.

'I welcomed the opportunity to reassure all those concerned with this issue that we have no intention of Section 44 or Section 58a [of the Terrorism Act] being used to stop ordinary people taking photos or to curtail legitimate journalistic activity.'

He added: 'Guidance has been provided to all police forces advising that these powers and offences should not be used to stop innocent members of the public, tourists or responsible journalists from taking photographs.

STATEMENT CONTINUES HERE

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